A LEARNING trust in North Yorkshire has appointed a new chief executive.

Richard Crane has been appointed to the Areté Learning Trust, of which Richmond, Northallerton and Stokesley Schools are members.

Mr Crane joins the trust from Durham County Council, where he was the head of education and skills, responsible for strategy and development to raise attainment. Prior to this, he was the headteacher of three secondary schools.

Mr Crane said: “I am delighted to be CEO of The Areté Learning Trust. I am looking forward to supporting each of the schools in the trust with their continued development and improvement.

“I aim to develop collaboration both across the trust and regionally and nationally with other educational providers to ensure that Areté pupils achieve the best-possible learning experience and that our staff get the best-possible professional development in order to facilitate successful outcomes for the learners across the trust.

“I feel privileged to be joining such a committed and hard-working staff team with enthusiastic and engaged students, and supportive parents, carers, governors and trustees.”

I have been very impressed with the sense of community within each school and how everyone pulls together to deliver our "rust vision of ‘being the best we can be’."

Mr Crane is heading up the trust during a period of major investment at its schools. Northallerton’s students will benefit from extensive refurbishment and extension to the school along with a brand-new sixth form centre. At Stokesley, the sports hall has been refurbished and other sports facilities upgraded, while Richmond has a new 3G sports pitch.

The appointment follows the retirement of Catherine Brooker who, following 20 years as a headteacher, was responsible for leading the trust from its inception in 2015.